Suction nozzle



Oct. 29. 1940. a. E. BJORKMA'N 2,219,802

SUCTION NO Z ZLE Filed larch 19. 1937 s sheen-shoei- 1 INVENTOR Oct 29, 1940. E, B ORKM 2,219,802

SUCTION NOZZLE Filed March 19. 195v 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 35 2 4/ 1' r H fi F' -|I 04- 1! I ES 5 32 22- 54 26 Z3? 4 30 2 27 I T INVENTOR ATTORNEY Oct. 29, 1940. G. E. BJCRKMAN SUCTION NOZZLE Filed March 19.. 1937 a Sheets-Sheet 3 T1 :I .ll

V a ,IIIIIII- 'I'IIII 11111114 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 29, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SUCTION NOZZLE Gustaf Erik Bjiirkman, Saltsjo-Nacka, Sweden, assignor to Electrolux Corporation, Dover, Del., a'corporation of Delaware Application March 19, 1937, Serial No. 131,752

more particularly to a so-called duplex nozzle in which either a concentrated flow of air, or a i more widely distributed flow may be obtained.

A widely distributed flow of air is preferable for ordinary cleaning in order that a maximum area may be cleaned, while a concentrated flow is desirable when it is necessary to remove objects, such as threads and the like, which adhere strongly to the surface being cleaned.

In accordancewith my invention such a nozzle is provided with means movable in a direction parallel to the lengthwiseextent of the nozzle for-altering the flow of air. Normally, in cleaning, the nozzle is moved back and forth over a surface in a direction substantially at right angles to its lengthwise extent. By having the valve controlling means movable in a direction substantially at right angles to the normal movement of the nozzle, likelihood of accidental shifting of the valve is greatly reduced. In accordance with the preferred embodiments of my invention, the valve may be shifted by moving the nozzle lengthwise against some object, such as the operators foot or a convenient piece of furniture. However, should the nozzle accidentally strike an object during its normal back and forth movement, the valve would not be actuated.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and of which- Fig. 1 is a view of one embodiment of my invention shown in connection with a vacuum cleaner unit;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in Fig. 1, but on a larger scale;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the nozzle shown in Fig. 2; a 1

Fig. 4 is a top view, partially broken away, of the nozzle shown in Figs. 2 and 3;

. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4; v

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the nozzle, including a valve member;

Fig. '7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the nozzle shown in Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional .view taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 7

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of my invention;

, will be apparent particularly from Fig. 3.

ermany March. 21, 1936 Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken on the .line I|ll of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view on an enlarged 'scale, showing a detail of construction. Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 through 6; reference character It] designates a vacuum' cleaner unit, provided with the usual air flow producing means and dust separating means Connected to the inlet of unit It] is a flexible hose II, the other end of which is connected'to a hollow handle I 2, which in turn is connected;

to the suction nozzle designated generally'by the f reference character I 3.

Nozzle l 3 includes an elongated body I4 formed iii with surface contacting lips l5 surrounding and defining an elongated suction opening l6. Secured to and forming the top of body It is a member 11. The central part of member- I! has a semi-cylindrical shape, as'is shown at Hi, this part being provided with an opening IS. A hollow connection piece has a flared lower end 2| which is pivotally secured to cylindrical portion l8 by means of holding members 22 which are secured to body M b means of screws 23. The other end of member 20 is formed with a cylindrical or slightly tapered bore 24 which is adapted to receive the end of hollow handle l2.

The forward central part of body I4 is formed with a groove 25 having a lengthwise extent which is considerably less than opening I6,'as A portion 26 of member l1 extends into slot 25 and defines a small suction opening 21 which communicates at its inner end with the space within cylindrical portion l8. The nozzle body gated suction opening It with this same space.

Slidably mounted in body I 4 on either sideof suction opening l6 are rods 30 and 3|. rods extend beyond the ends of the body I l. and are there connected together by meansof cross-pieces 32. As shown particularly in Fig. 3, the length of rods 30 and 3| is such that, if one cross-piece 32 bears against the end of body It, the other cross-piece is spaced from the body. Member l1 overhangs at each end of the body member II, as is shown at .33 by an amount sufficient to substantially cover the cross-piece 32 when the latter bears against the end of the body It and to-cover the space between them when they are separated.

Rotatably mounted on rod 3|] is a valve member 34. Movement of the valve member with the rod is prevented by means of shoulders 35 formed in the body I4. The valve member is These formed with a helical slot 36 which is engaged by a pin 31 rigidly secured to the rod. Consequently, straight line motion of the rod causes turning of the valve member. The valve member is formed with a flat face 38 which closes port 28 when the valve member is in one extreme position, and is formed with a curved face 33 which is adapted to seat against the semi-cylindrical portion l8 and thus closes inlet opening 21 when the valve is in its other extreme position.

A spring member 40 is provided for holding the rods 33 and 3|, and hence the valve 34, in either of their extreme positions. One end of the spring is received within a notch 4| formed in body l4, while the other end of the spring is forked and engages a portion of reduced diameter 42 formed on rod 3|. Inasmuch as spring 40 is maintained under compression it tends to hold the rod 3| in either of its extreme positions.

In operation, nozzle I3 is moved forward and backwards over a surface to be cleaned by means of handle l2. The vacuum cleaner unit l0 causes air to flow inwardly through the nozzle, through the hollow handle, and hose H to the unit. With the valve 34 in the position shown in Fig. 2, air is admitted to the nozzle through the elongated opening 16 and the port 28. The curved portion 39 of the valve is seated against member I8 and prevents inflow of air through suction opening 21.

With the nozzle in this condition, it is capable of covering a maximum amount of surface on each stroke, the air flow being distributed over the entire length of suction opening It. In the event that a thread or other object which adheres with considerable force to the surface is encountered, it may be removed by shifting the valve 34 so as to close port 38 and to permit inflow of air through opening 21. Inasmuch as opening 21 is smaller than opening It, a more concentrated flow of air is obtained, which is able to remove the thread.

The valve is shifted by moving members 32 relative to the nozzle body. This may be accomplished by moving the nozzlesideways against the operator's foot or against any other stationary object, or the member 32 may be kicked by the operator. movement takes place between the rods 30, 3| and the nozzle body which results in a turning of the valve 34. In order to return the valve to its original position, the rods are moved in the opposite direction. Inasmuch as one of the other members 32 always projects beyondthe overhanging portion 33 of member I1, it is always apparent in which direction the rod should be moved in order to alter the position of the valve. If desired, a legend or the like may be placed on the top of the nozzle, adjacent one end to indicate that the valve is in a certain position when the member 32 at that end projects beyond portion 33.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. '7 through 9, the valve member itself constitutes the member which is slidable with respect to the nozzle body.

As shown, the nozzle body I4 is formed'with an' In either event, straight line member formed with a plurality of openings 53. These openings correspond in size, number and spacing to the ports 50. The valve member also includes a vertical portion 54 which is arranged to cooperate with port 5|. The ends of the valve member 52 extend beyond the ends of body I4 and are connected to cross-pieces 32.

With the valve member in the position shown in the figures, openings 53 are out of registry with ports 50 and consequently the suction opening I6 is cut off from the interior of the nozzle. Portion 54 of the valve, on the other hand, is to one side of port 5| and consequently communication is established between the small suction opening 21 and the interior of the nozzle. The nozzle is now in condition to remove threads and similar objects.

If the valve 52 is moved to the right, as viewed in Figs. 8 or 9, portion 54 covers port 5|, while openings 53 come into alignment with ports 50. Consequently, small suction opening 21 is closed, while the large opening [6 is connected to the interior of the body through the ports 50 and openings 53.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 through '12, a nozzle body 60 is formed with a cylindrical portion 6| in which is slidably and rotatably mounted a hollow cylindrical valve member 62. Rigidly secured to the valve member and communicating with the interior thereof is a connecting piece 63 to which may be connected the hollow handle 12. It will be noted that the length of valve member 62 is less than the interior length of cylindrical portion 6i.

Nozzle body 60 is formed with three similar aligned openings 64, 65 and 66, while the valve member 62 is provided with openings 61 and 68. As will be noted opening 68 isof the same axial length as opening 66, while opening 61 is of sufiicient axial length to be able to span both openings 64 and 65. Thus, with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 11, openings 64, 65 and 66 are all in communication with the interior of valve member 62 and hence air is. drawn in through all of these openings. This gives a distributed flow of air which is to be preferred for ordinary cleaning. In order to obtain a concentrated flow, the valve member 62 is moved axially with respect to'the nozzle in a direction toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 11. This causes openings 64 to be closed by the left hand end of the valve member while opening 66 is closed by that portion of the valve member between openings 61 and 68. Opening 65 alone remains in communication with the interior of the valve member, this communication being established through a portion of opening 61. Thus, all the air is caused to flow through opening 65 which results in a concentrated flow which is capable of removing threads and the like.

The circumferential extent of openings 61 and 68 in the valve member is such that the valve member may be rotated with respect to the rest of the nozzle without afiecting substantially the flow of air. Thus, the handle l2 may be raised and lowered to suit the convenience of the operator in manipulating the nozzle under furniture or the like.

In order to prevent accidental shifting of the valve member, cylindrical member 6| may be provided at either of its ends with a button 10. as is shown particularly in Fig. 12. The ends of valve member 62 are formed with openings ll into which buttons 10 may extend. A resilient member 12 is secured within the valve member and around each opening H and is adapted to releasably engage button 10. Thus, the valve member is retained in either of its extreme positions. In order to shift the valve member, the end of the nozzle is held stationary, as by the foot of the operator or as by being placed against a convenient wall or piece of furniture, and the handle I2 is moved sideways with respect to the nozzle. This causes the valve member 62, which is rigidly secured to the connecting member 63, to be moved sideways, one of the buttons I being released from the corresponding resilient member 12 at the beginning of the movement, and the other button engaging the other resilient member at the other end of the valve at the end of the movement.

While I have shown several more or less specific embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that this has been done for purposes of illustration only and that the scope of my invention is not to be limited thereby, but is to be determined by the appended claims viewed in the light of the prior art.

What I claim is:

1. In a suction nozzle, an elongated body adapted to be moved transversely with respect to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with a plurality of suction openings, valve means for controlling flow through said openings to vary the total effective inflow area, and structure extending outside of said body and movable in a straight line in one direction lengthwise relative to said body for moving said valve so as to increase said total inflow area and movable in a straight line in the opposite direction for moving said valve so as to decrease said total inflow area, the end portions of said structure being extendible beyond-the ends of said body so as to be accessible for movement in either direction.

2. In a suction nozzle, an elongated body adapted to be moved transversely with respect to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with a large suction opening and a smaller suction opening, a valve member pivotally mounted in said body and turnable to selectively render either of said openings operative, a member carried by said body and movable ina straight line parallel to the lengthwiseextent of said body for turning said valve, and means for converting the straight line motion of the last mentioned member int rotary motion of said valve member.

3. In a suction nozzle, an elongated body adapted to be moved transversely with respect to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with a large suction opening and a smaller suction opening, valve means for selectively rendering either of said openings operative, and structure carried by said body and movable in 'a straight line parallel to the lengthwise extent of said body for operating said valve means, the end portions of said structure being extendible beyond the ends of said body so as to be accessible for movement in either direction.

4. In a suction nozzle, an elongated body adapted to be moved transversely with respect to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with a large suction opening and a smaller suction opening, valve means movable between two extreme positions for selectively rendering either of said openings operative, and means carried by said body and movable in a straight line parallel to the lengthwise extent of said body for operating said valve means, and means for yieldably retaining said valve means in either of said extreme positions and for urging said valve means out of intermediate positions.

5. In a suction nozzle, an elongated body adapted to be moved transversely with respect to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with a large suction opening and a smaller suction opening, a rod slidably mounted in said body and movable in a straight line parallel to the lengthwise extent of said body, a valve member pivotally mounted on said rod and held against movement therewith, said valve member being pivotable to open and close the respective openings, said valve member being formed with a helical slot, and a pin carried by said rod and engaging said slot whereby straight line movement of said rod causes turning movement of said valve member.

6. In a suction nozzle, an elongated nozzle body adapted to be moved in a direction transverse to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with dissimilar suction openings,

"and a valve member ,carried by said body and adapted to be moved in a direction transverse to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with dissimilar suction openings communicating with valve ports within said body located in angularly disposed planes, and a valve member having portions located in similarly angularly disposed planes and slidable in said body in a direction parallel to the length of the body for selectively closing and opening the respective ports, said valve member being longer than said body whereby either of its ends is extendible beyond said body so as to be accessible for manipulation.

8. In a suction nozzle, an elongated nozzle body adapted to be moved in a direction at right angle to its length over a surface to be cleaned, said body being formed with a large suction opening and a small suction opening, said large opening communicating with a plurality of valve ports arranged in a straight line in said body, and said small opening communicating with an additional valve port, and a valve member having a plurality of openings corresponding in size and distribution to said plurality of valve portsand an additional opening corresponding to said additional valve port, said valve member being movable in a direction parallel to said straight line, the space relationship of said valve ports and the openings in said valve member being such that when said plurality of ports and said plurality of openings are in registry said additional port and additional opening are out of registry and vice versa.

GUSTAF ERIK BJdRKMAN. 

